COURTESY OF EDUCATE MAINE
It’s no secret that aquaculture is a growing industry in Maine – oysters, kelp, and other shellfish are showing up on menus and grocery store shelves across the state and beyond. But beyond tasting local oysters or taking a farm tour, how can someone turn their curiosity about marine science into hands-on experience in aquaculture?
Sixteen participants found their answer this summer through the fourth year of the Aquaculture Pioneers program – administered by Educate Maine and made possible by funding from Focus Maine in partnership with The Builders Initiative. This paid, summer-long experience provides a career exploration opportunity for participants who may have little to no practical experience, while also reducing financial burdens on small to mid-sized farms that need extra help during the busy summer months. Open to everyone from high school students to adults exploring a new career path, the program gives participants a chance to see what it really takes to work as a farmhand in this growing industry.
The program kicks off with a two-day, overnight “bootcamp” at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center. Pioneers come together to learn about the industry, meet leaders, and develop skills they’ll use over the summer. The agenda supports all experience levels, with sessions covering industry basics, oyster lifecycle, physical wellness, and farm ambassadorship. Participants also get hands-on practice with gear, knot tying, boat safety, and tours of local farms.
After bootcamp, Pioneers spend their summers at farms up and down the coast — from Beals to York, immersed in learning daily farm operations. Typical tasks include flipping oyster cages, sorting and tumbling oysters, harvesting, and helping to grow seed in hatcheries. Many also join their farms at summer community events, where they help out with shucking and share their new knowledge with the public.
For Lily Pierannunzi, a Maine Maritime graduate with prior experience on the waterfront, this was “the perfect next step after graduating and moving into the professional world.” The program also attracts participants from out of state. Alex Stutzer initially saw it as an opportunity to spend the summer away from Virginia’s heat on Maine’s coast — a natural extension of his experience in both agriculture and sailing. What started as a seasonal opportunity quickly turned into a deeper interest in Maine’s unique coastal environment and a growing curiosity about aquaculture as a career.
“Maine’s working waterfront has a culturally rich history,” Stutzer shared. “Participating in the Aquaculture Pioneers program afforded me the opportunity to experience that firsthand, with a built-in support system to ensure success in a career in aquaculture.”
If Pioneers feel that Aquaculture is truly the right fit for them at the end of the summer, there is a clear path forward. The Aquaculture Pioneers program is a certified pre-apprenticeship recognized by the Maine Department of Labor and linked to the nation’s only Registered Apprenticeship Program for Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Technicians. Pioneers are guaranteed interviews for this competitive program and receive advanced credit if accepted. This pathway from exploration to apprenticeship plays a vital role in cultivating the next generation of skilled aquaculture farmers, supporting the long-term growth and success for the industry.
If you are interested in applying to participate in the summer 2026 Aquaculture Pioneers cohort, or if you’re a farm interested in hosting a Pioneer, visit mainecareercatalyst.org/aquaculture-pioneers or reach out to [email protected].
